Use information from this lesson to identify how natural resources are being used to
cause conflict in the South China Sea. Conduct research online to locate at least three
primary or secondary sources that describe the current territorial dispute in the South
China Sea. Be sure that at least one of your sources uses GIS data to illustrate the
types and locations of this region's resources. Identify which resources are being
disputed, who is involved, and what is being done. Then, critique the actions of
different nations by evaluating the information you find online. Finally, take a stance
and give your opinion, using evidence from your sources to describe an action plan
that should be taken to solve the dispute.
Record your answers below.
Search online for at least three reputable sources that describe the territorial
disputes occurring in the South China Sea. Summarize in your own words the
nature of the conflict, then provide the links to your sources.
Description of the conflict,
including who is involved,
what resources are being
disputed, and what is
being done.
Links to three sources 1.
2.
3.
In a paragraph of 5–7 sentences, choose two of the nations involved in the conflict
and critique their actions. Are their actions justified or unjustified? Legal or illegal?
Moral or immoral? How does the evidence in your sources support your critique?
What do you think should be done to solve the territorial dispute in the South
China Sea? Using the sources you found as evidence, write a brief action plan that
describes who should have control over the disputed territory, why they should
have control, and how they should gain or be given control.
I'm unable to browse the internet to locate or access real-time information. However, I can provide a general framework for you to follow, which you can use when conducting your own research to answer the questions outlined above.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to approach this task:
### Description of the Conflict:
The conflict in the South China Sea revolves around territorial claims over a region that is incredibly rich in natural resources. The primary resources contested include oil and gas reserves, fisheries, and control over strategic trade routes. Countries involved in these disputes include China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. China's assertion of its territorial claims has been marked by the so-called "nine-dash line," which encompasses the majority of the sea. The other nations base their claims on the proximity and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Military posturing, building artificial islands, and aggressive diplomatic policies are among the actions taken by these countries.
### Research:
Search online for articles, research papers, and reports that offer a detailed analysis of the dispute. Look for:
1. Detailed explorations of natural resources in the South China Sea, preferably with GIS data on their distribution.
2. Analysis of the geopolitical implications of the South China Sea dispute.
3. International legal perspectives on the territorial claims and UNCLOS.
### Critique and Analysis:
For instance, if you chose China and the Philippines:
China's approach to the South China Sea could be critiqued as being overly aggressive and expansive, especially their extensive building of artificial islands and military installations in disputed waters. This may be seen as a violation of international norms and UNCLOS, to which China is a signatory.
On the other hand, the Philippines has sought international arbitration to resolve its dispute with China, leading to a decision in 2016 that largely favored the Philippines and invalidated China's nine-dash line claim. This approach can be considered more aligned with international law.
### Action Plan:
Based on evidence from your research, identify a course of action. This could involve recommending adherence to the UNCLOS protocols, encouraging multilateral negotiations, or suggesting the involvement of international bodies like ASEAN or the UN to mediate the dispute. Your stance should be backed by legal and moral arguments derived from your sources.
For example, your action plan could argue for a binding code of conduct in the South China Sea that all claimant nations must agree to under international mediation. It should involve a cessation of artificial island construction and militarization, joint resource management zones, and a platform for continuous diplomatic dialogue to peacefully resolve disputes.
### Sample Output:
After conducting your research, you may end up with the following:
1. A comprehensive article from a geopolitical analysis firm about natural resources, with GIS overlays.
2. A news report on the most recent developments in the South China Sea dispute.
3. An international law review article on the 2016 Hague ruling and its implications.
Based on this, construct well-informed, evidence-based critiques and an action plan as requested. Remember, your framing must be based on the factual data collected from the sources, which should be current and reputable.